Jūkenpo is a Japanese martial art. Its name can be translated as "the Way of the soft fist" or "the soft boxing".
History
Jukenpo is thought to draw its origins from a combination of Jūjutsu, Aikinojutsu principles and the Chinese boxing arts. It was one of the fighting arts used by the horsemen to unseat their enemies and for close range combat. As Jukempo became tactically less interesting, it moved to a ground fightingmethod.
Jukenpo is actually part of the Takeda Ryu Nakamura Ha Sobudo and is considered a complement to the Aikido taught in this school. Jukenpo strikes are used to divert an opponent before a decisive action such as a sword cut, a throw or a joint break. The combination of Aikido and Jukenpo is often named Jūjutsu Kenpo.
Technical aspects
Jukenpo uses strikes, throws, locks and chokes. As a descendant of the Chinese boxing, punches and kicks are fundamental in this art. The basic punches are:
Tate Ken Tate Uchi: "hammer" blow to the top of the fontanel.
Tate Ken Yoko Uchi: "hammer" blow to the temple.
Tate Ken Gyaku Yoko Uchi: cross "hammer" blow to the temple.
Tate Ken Yoko Uchi: "hammer" blow to the ribs.
Tate Ken Gyaku Yoko Uchi Chudan: cross hammer blow to the ribs.
There are several other strikes such as Higi Uchi, Hiza Geri that are not included in the basic techniques and considered as Koryu Waza. Jukenpo relies on relaxed movements to increase speed and allow faster sequences. The tension exists only during the impact. This principle is opposite to the "one hit, one kill" philosophy of Karate.
Teaching methods
The Kihon Waza are designed to acquire the basic principles of the techniques. The first approach is to repeat the hits and blocks alone. In order to improve the basics, the techniques are then practised with a partner. One of the partners is the attacker and the other one the defender. This training is scheduled and conventional. After that, the training focuses on Kaeshi Waza to develop the Sen no Sen feelings. These exercises aim to hit the attacker exactly at the moment he takes the initiative. At mid-level, Kumite Randori is practiced in the form of Ju Ippon Kumite and Ju Kumite. Shiai Kumite is another part of the teaching. Shiai Kumite is a way to train as close as possible of a real fight. The opponents wear at least hands, feet and teeth protectors to avoid injuries. The highest and most advanced level of technique is Koryū Waza. Koryū Waza are ancient techniques, designed for maximal efficiency and damages with a minimal effort. They originate from battlefields.
